How many people actually read the little instruction manual provided with electrical powered tools? Probably not many people, but if you did, often there is a chart that lists the minimum size cord per distance of run. It would follow something like 25′ needs 16 gauge, 50′ needs 14 gauge, 100′ needs 12 gauge.
Why is that? The thinner the wire in the cord, the hotter the cord gets with more amperage draw because the resistance over distance reduces the amount of delivered amperage. That is why they heat up, the lost current is turned into heat. Reduced power chokes the motor, or said in other words not enough amperage to properly drive the motor.
Generally, this is not a big problem because most tools draw way less current than a circuit (or cord) can provide. Typically, I use any old extension cord to get the right length (and I don’t consult the chart ever). However, there are certain machines that really is not the case. And a good hint is how long and how big the cord on the tool is. For instance, the wisdom with an air compressor is that it is better to get more hose than plug it into an extension cord because they draw near 15A when running.
I once watched painting contractors try to use an 18 gauge household extension cord on an airless sprayer and it tripped the breaker about every two minutes until I gave them an appropriate extension cord. Talk about not having the proper tools for the job. I recently decided to add a 12 gauge extension cord to my stable because I was borrowing someone’s paint sprayer and I wanted to have enough distance and not burn out their tool.
One of the first things to appreciate is how supple the cord is despite it’s diameter. Cheaper cords are stiff and when rolling often have a mind of their own. Not this one. It also has a lighted plug so that you can see the power is on the cord, kind-of nice.
| Score | Positives | Negatives | |
| Value | 4/5 | Spending on extension cords protect a much more expensive tool or prevent a fire | The worst thing that I can say is that these thicker cords are expensive. $80 for fifty feet or $120 for 100 feet |
| Quality | 5/5 | Fit and finish, everything as expected | |
| Performance | 5/5 | Rolls and bends nicely | Very heavy. But all cords of this size are. |
| Lit plug indicates power to the cord |
What else can you say, extension cords are not sexy or fun. They can be pricey and bulky. At best, a necessary evil. But it pays for your job and your tools to have the right cords when you need them.
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